Deluxe Roadbuster - Dark of the Moon - Figure

Roadbuster

Previously, we looked at Topspin, the first of the three Wreckers released to market. Next up is Roadbuster, who decided to stay in his earthen alt mode instead of expose his brute mode.

Bio

Roadbuster might be a little rough around the edges, but he's got it where it counts. For as long as any of them can remember, he and his partners have specialized in traveling the galaxy, kicking Decepticon tailpipe and taking names. To them, Earth is just another battleground.

StrengthIntelligenceSpeedEnduranceRankCourageFireblastSkill

Alt Mode

Roadbuster's alt mode is a Chevrolet Impala in track form. He resembles Dale Earnhardt Jr's #88 Amp NASCAR vehicle. Interestingly enough, while the basic color scheme of deep green and white is correct, the use of green is inaccurate. For instance, the decklid is white on the real car, while being green here. Many of the sponsorship details that were on the pre-production figure are also notedly missing.

The main gimmick here is the MechTech weapon, which plugs into his roof. You can also plug the gun into the port on either of his doors. For now, we won't worry about pulling the trigger back on the weapon as it's pointless in alt mode. One gripe about the alt mode are the multitude of seams on the rear end. It draws too much attention to the already long overhang on the back.

Alt Mode Summary: Not entirely accurate, but close.

Alt Mode Specs

Transformation

He isn't overly difficult to transform, but the hood might get in your way a couple of times during the process. Also, positioning the rear decklid/shoulder launchers can be a tad annoying. Don't forget to expose the winglet on the launchers.

Robot Mode

Roadbuster is rather bland in robot mode. Outside of a couple of panels, most of the robot mode is unpainted PVC. That's quite a shame, as a lot of the body and limbs sport some intricate detailing. One body part that is very annoying are the upper arm clips. The left on in particular does not like to stay on for anything. At least the head sculpt is interesting to look at and features blue piping.

The MechTech weapon pegs (rather loosely) to either of his open hands. It's better just to bolt it to the forearm. Pulling back on the trigger will fold out a chainsaw. Like the other Deluxe weapons, it won't stay deployed. It's a nice gimmick, though, and allows for close combat.

Robot Mode Specs

Value

In the most basic sense, Roadbuster is a nice package. However, when you start judging the details the interest wanes off a bit. The upper arm clips are definitely a candidate to be lost over time. The head sits on a rather small ball joint, and popped off on at least one occasion. Score another demerit for durability. Finally, I question how long the white paint will stay unscratched.

Summary

I have to say I'm let down by Roadbuster. The details and chemistry are there, but the execution feels half-hearted. Were the robot mode adorned with more color detailing, that would account for something. While he's still worth considering for your collection, just know there are small issues abound.

Images

The appearance may be a little lackluster but the playability is definitely there. My 6 year old came out of his room the other day with Mech Tech weapons, Minicons, and even PCC drones all pegged into each other and into Roadbuster. He thought it was the coolest thing and it didn't look half ba... read more

Zonker

2011-05-29
1:56 am

I have yet to get into the HA also, but this one might just do it for me as to how movie-accurate the mold is in brute mode.

puma

2011-05-28
2:44 pm

I dig it. I can't wait for the HA version though. I love those bigger versions.

Lord Atmo

2011-05-28
8:55 am

Roadbuster was the first DOTM toy I bought...Along with Topspin. I like both of them personally. Unlike a few other cars, Their alt modes' wheels can all touch the ground evenly.....

superman2k

2011-05-28
4:52 am

I wish the Wreckers were more consistent. I would love to have all 3 in their "brute mode". Now I'm wondering if I should just get Top-spin and wait to see if Hasbro releases a brute version of Roadbuster or just get him. Hmmmm.

TransformersFan

2011-05-28
3:16 am

I got Roadbuster the first day DOTM came out and I like him, he is a good figure.

Transmitte

2011-05-28
2:04 am

Yeah I know, but I'm kinda off the HA series. Would rather have a better deluxe version.

Lord_Onslaught

2011-05-28
1:26 am

My only complaint with Roadbuster is the lack of paint apps on his robot mode particularly his gut and the fan in his chest, other then that Roadbuster is an awesome figure and I can not wait to get his HA figure. I'm going to have to get a longer shelf for my HA's if this keeps up

Zonker

2011-05-28
1:05 am

They did come out with a better version already, although for more money. Check out the Human Alliance version (which is admittedly more than the deluxe when you get to the cash register) and enjoy the so-called brute mode that looks more movie-accurate. Definitely the one I will be getting when I... read more

Transmitte

2011-05-28
12:37 am

I could almost deal with having him, but with everything you mentioned along with that lack luster design of the car roof being left in once piece(I'm guessing because of the mechtech port) and the side of the alt mode/doors also in one piece, I'll wait to see if they come up with a better m... read more